The job search is distracting.
One day, you’re thinking about resumes and the next, it’s all about interview practice. Tomorrow you might be caught up in profiles statements and social media.
When we’re pulled in so many directions, it’s easy to forget what the job search is all about: matching skilled individuals with employers.
In the end, it’s all about skills. Can you do the job and can you do it well?
As we begin to approach the end of the year, we start to think about renewal and rejuvenation. In your job search, it’s time to renew and rejuvenate your skillset.
Check out these 5 questions every job seeker should ask themselves about their skillsets:
What can I do?
This is probably the hardest question to answer, and definitely the most important. You probably have a list on your LinkedIn page and resume, but really, what can you do?
Mark Babbit divides skills into three different skill sets: knowledge-based, tranferable, and personality (a.k.a. “soft” skills). Write out your skills according to these categories on a piece of paper. Be really honest with yourself and include everything you can actually do.
Check out: How to Make Your Qualifications Shine in Your Online Profiles
What do employers want?
As I mentioned before, the job search is all about skilled individuals matched with employers looking for those skills. Fortunately, a quick Google search is a great start to answering this question.
Look at job boards and company websites for clues into what exact skills your dream job requires.
Check out: Talent Connection Episode 21: Why You Need to Keep Up With Industry News & Trends
Which skills are worth including on my resume?
Now that you have a list of all the skills you have and all the skills employers want, find the matches. These are the skills worth including on your resume because they are a.) what you have and b.) what employers want.
While it’s great that you know how to type or can handle basic tasks, these aren’t skills that are worth space on your resume, application, or profile. Your skills section should only include what you have to offer and what makes you different than the competition.
Check out: Back to Basics: Writing a Resume
What skills do I need?
Go back to your lists of skills that you have and skills that employers want. What don’t you have that employers want in an employee? What skills would help you stand out amongst the competition the most?
Where do I go from here?
You might be out of school, but you should never stop learning and building skills. Once you’ve figured out which skills you need, determine the best plan of action to make it happen.
You might have to take a class, work with a professional, or just practice. Make a point to always be working on a new skill. Not only does this make you a more desirable employee, but it also keeps your brain in an active learning mode.
Check out: Read Up! 6 Books to Help You in Your Job Search
What do you think? What skills do you want to work on? What skills should every job seeker have? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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